Fall Ride rumbles into Tomahawk

Weekend event raises money for MDA

Sep. 15, 2012

Thousands of motorcycles have converged on the Northwoods for the annual Tomahawk Fall Ride. The rally features poker runs, music, food and parties. The event is a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and many other local groups. / T'xer Zhon Kha/Wausau Daily Herald

Rich and Michelle Wanta stroll through downtown Tomahawk with their children Friday afternoon. The couple, of the town of Nokomis, aren't motorcyclists, but they like soaking up the atmosphere. The children 'like looking at the motorcycles,' Michelle said. / T'xer Zhon Kha/Wausau Daily Herald

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TOMAHAWK — Nobody really knows how many bikers converge on the Northwoods during Tomahawk’s Fall Ride for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

All anyone can say for sure is that the motorcycle rally and fundraiser changes Tomahawk and the area around it for the weekend. The local police force is bolstered, local nonprofit groups set up food stands and other concessions, and the MDA raises about $100,000.

At least that’s the hope for this year, with a gorgeous weekend on tap — sunny through Sunday, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 30s and 40s. It’s perfect for bikers, and on Friday, they were roaring into the area from across the Midwest to ride, eat, drink, party and spend some money.

“This is our way to help the economy,” said John Waube, 51, of Lac du Flambeau. Waube was eating some french fries he and his wife, Jackie Waube, 56, bought at the Tomahawk Swim Club food stand in downtown Tomahawk.

The Waubes love riding motorcycles, looking at motorcycles and hanging around with other bikers. For them, the Fall Ride is a great getaway, especially with the sun shining.

“This (weather) is unbelievable,” Jackie Waube said.

Hanna Engebretson, 30, is one of the MDA event coordinators who works throughout the year to organize much of the music, events, food and clothing and other items for sale at Fall Ride. The SARA Park festivities are the ones that directly benefit MDA, and she said she hoped the weekend would raise about $100,000 for the association.

Engebretson has never been on a motorcycle in her life, but she loves the Fall Ride.

“It’s just a great atmosphere,” she said. “People are so nice.”

The MDA isn’t the only beneficiary of the Fall Ride. The Tomahawk Swim Club’s concession stand will likely clear about $2,000 for the club, said head coach Marion Kohl.

“This is probably the biggest fundraiser of the year,” Kohl said.

Most of the bikers come to the event for the same reason as the Waubes.

“It’s just an excuse to get together and meet old friends,” said Eric Kornau, 28, of Chicago. “You’re around other people who have the same interest as you.”

Kohl said those from Tomahawk who don’t ride motorcycles have “kind of a love/hate relationship with the Fall Ride. ... But it’s become a tradition up here,” she said. “And it’s good for the community.”